Peculiarities of physical therapy for athletes having arthrofibrosis after primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Purpose: The iam of the article is to analyze efficiency of physical therapy in terms of range of motions augmentation in knee joints of athletes having knee-joint arthrofibrosis that has evolved after primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as well as ability for adequate, full-fledged, and consistent physical therapy prevention of surgical treatment of arthrofibrosis with athletes after primary or revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Material: We have analyzed and assessed results of physical therapy with sixteen patients diagnosed with kneejoint arthrofibrosis that evolved after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and with eight patients that suffered from arthrofibrosis after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. These patients included twelve men and twelve women. Average age was 36 years (from 18 to 54). Average term after the operation at the moment of augmentation was 5,4±4,6 months. Results: The author has analyzed results of physical therapy with twenty-four patients having knee-joint arthrofibrorsis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (sixteen patients after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and eight patients after revision anterior cruciate ligament recontruction). All patients underwent series of measurements of range of motions in dynamics in order to assess the effect of conservative treatment; radiography of cruciate ligament in two projections to define the height of knee cap placement; MRT of cruciate ligament. The level of patients' activity was defined by Tegner and Lysholm's scales. Conclusions: Arthrofibrosis is easier to prevent rather than treat. That is why it is extremely important to reach maximum range of motions before the operation with the help of physical therapy, and restore muscles strength and function, especially of the knee joint extension apparatus.